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Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 19:04:16 GMT2015-08-02T19:04:16Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Andrey Pavlov in doghouse after scoring 17 on one hole in Austrian Openhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-17-lyoness-open-austria
• Russian Pavlov back at event where he finished 26 over par in 2014<br />• France’s Grégory Bourdy leads Englishman Chris Wood by four<p>The Frenchman Gr&eacute;gory Bourdy said a “special” opening nine holes laid the foundations for him to extend his lead in the second round of the Lyoness Open in Austria.</p><p>Starting the day two ahead, the 33-year-old took advantage of his early tee time to increase the pressure on his challengers. Beginning at the 10th he made five birdies to turn in 31 at the Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg. His first bogey of the week at the 1st halted his momentum briefly before he picked up another stroke at the short 6th to finish with a 67 for a 12-under-par 132.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-17-lyoness-open-austria">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportFri, 12 Jun 2015 17:46:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-17-lyoness-open-austriaPhotograph: Paul Thomas/Getty ImagesAndrey Pavlov of Russia had a disastrous first hole on his second round in Austria, scoring 17 on the par five. Photograph: Paul Thomas/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Paul Thomas/Getty ImagesAndrey Pavlov of Russia had a disastrous first hole on his second round in Austria, scoring 17 on the par five. Photograph: Paul Thomas/Getty ImagesPress Association2015-06-12T17:46:01ZAndrey Pavlov scores nightmare 17 on a single hole at Lyoness Openhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-scores-17-single-hole-austria-open
• Russian’s score is second-worst for single hole in European Tour history <br />• Philippe Porquier’s 1978 European Tour record of 20 still stands<p>Andrey Pavlov has recorded the second-worst score for a single hole in European Tour history, taking 17 on the 1st in the second round of the Lyoness Open in Austria.</p><p>The Russian, who was at the tournament by invitation and who scored 71 in the first round, landed in the water six times on the 506-yard par-five opening hole and joins Chris Gane, who scored 17 on a hole at Gleneagles in 2003, on a list that no golfer wants to belong to.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/12/the-joy-of-six-golf-holes-of-hell">The Joy of Six: golf holes of hell</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-scores-17-single-hole-austria-open">Continue reading...</a>GolfEuropean TourSportFri, 12 Jun 2015 09:14:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/12/andrey-pavlov-scores-17-single-hole-austria-openPhotograph: European Tour/ScreengrabAndrey Pavlov's scorecard. Photograph: European Tour/ScreengrabPhotograph: European Tour/ScreengrabAndrey Pavlov's scorecard. Photograph: European Tour/ScreengrabGuardian sport2015-06-12T09:14:22ZMiguel Ángel Jiménez: ‘I love to compete with the best … with modern golf’http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/11/miguel-angel-jimenez-interview-golf-ryder-cup
The rich-living 51-year-old still gets a kick out of upstaging golf’s big-hitting kids and, despite missing out for 2016, wants the 2018 Ryder Cup captaincy<p>Miguel &Aacute;ngel Jim&eacute;nez has no interest in altering the perception of him and dealing with the surprise that continues to surround the ability of this rich-living 51-year-old to compete in serious golf events.</p><p>Jim&eacute;nez would never be pinpointed as one of his sport’s fine athletes. And yet results tell a positive story: since the start of 2006, in the supposed autumn of his career, the Spaniard has finished in the top 13 in at least one major per season.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/23/miguel-angel-jimenez-pga-championship">Miguel &Aacute;ngel Jim&eacute;nez thrills Wentworth crowd with hole-in-one record</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/11/miguel-angel-jimenez-interview-golf-ryder-cup">Continue reading...</a>GolfEuropean TourRyder CupSportThu, 11 Jun 2015 13:55:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/11/miguel-angel-jimenez-interview-golf-ryder-cupPhotograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesMiguel Ángel Jiménez says he would happily help Darren Clarke in his role as Europe's 2016 Ryder Cup captain despite missing out on the position. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesMiguel Ángel Jiménez says he would happily help Darren Clarke in his role as Europe's 2016 Ryder Cup captain despite missing out on the position. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesEwan Murray2015-06-11T13:55:18ZIrish Open makes a persuasive claim for the fundamental charm of links golf | Ewan Murrayhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/03/irish-open-links-golf-rory-mcilroy
The tournament, boosted by Rory McIlroy’s presence, was superbly supported but the sport’s focus remains on USA-based events at the expense of other markets<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/31/soren-kjeldsen-irish-open-play-off" title="">Soren Kjeldsen wins Irish Open after three-man play-off</a><p>Two anomalies have long existed in the upper echelons of golf. Firstly, of the four “world” golf championships – placed just under majors in apparent significance – three are held in the United States. It is also curious that links golf, such a fundamental part of the sport and a skill surely necessary for any top player to master, is such a rarity.</p><p>Both issues seemed pertinent at last week’s Irish Open. The event was kickstarted, rocket-fuelled even, by the involvement of Rory McIlroy. This tournament felt like an Open Championship in so many ways, it appealed to some of the best players in the world, with 107,000 people taking the time to come and watch at the wonderful venue of Royal County Down. As a television spectacle, despite the horrible weather that has cursed the Irish Open, the backdrop seemed well-nigh impossible to beat.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/03/irish-open-links-golf-rory-mcilroy">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyPGA TourEuropean TourGolfSportUS sportsWed, 03 Jun 2015 11:29:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/03/irish-open-links-golf-rory-mcilroyPhotograph: Charles McQuillan/R&A/R&A via Getty ImagesLinks events like the Irish Open present a huge technical test but the skills they teach are becoming lost to more clean-cut courses. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/R&A/R&A via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Charles McQuillan/R&A/R&A via Getty ImagesLinks events like the Irish Open present a huge technical test but the skills they teach are becoming lost to more clean-cut courses. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/R&A/R&A via Getty ImagesEwan Murray2015-06-03T11:29:54ZRory McIlroy disappoints sell-out crowds as he misses Irish Open cuthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/29/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-padraig-harrington
<p>• World No1 misses cut for a third successive Irish Open<br>• Padraig Harrington one off lead as he seeks second title</p><p><strong> </strong>Whether through external pressure, charity commitments or basic matters of technicality, Rory McIlroy’s Irish Open trouble will linger for another year as he missed the cut. This time the damage was done during Thursday’s round of 80. Friday’s 71 was hardly the stuff of embarrassment but for a third time in succession he has lasted only 36 holes.</p><p>This one will hurt the most, given McIlroy’s charity foundation is the tournament host. The world No1’s departure is painful, too, for sell-out crowds who had hoped to see a four-times major winner in full flow. Not to be, once again, alas.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/22/rory-mcilroy-wentworth-luke-donald-pga-championship">Rory McIlroy misses cut at Wentworth but Luke Donald hits the roof</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/29/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-padraig-harrington">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyEuropean TourPadraig HarringtonGolfSportFri, 29 May 2015 20:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/29/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-padraig-harringtonPhotograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy missed the cut for the Irish Open after his Friday round of 71 left him at nine over par. Photograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy missed the cut for the Irish Open after his Friday round of 71 left him at nine over par. Photograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty ImagesEwan Murray at Royal County Down2015-05-29T20:00:03ZRory McIlroy struggles for form at Irish Open after opening round of 80http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/28/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-opening-round
• World No1 posts nine bogeys and no birdies at Royal County Down<br />• McIlroy attempting to avoid third straight missed cut at event<p><strong> </strong>So much for a happy homecoming. The rocky relationship between Rory McIlroy and the Irish Open shows no sign of easing. Even the hosting of this event by McIlroy’s charity, it seems, is not sufficient to improve the struggles the world No1 has with his native event.</p><p>McIlroy has missed the Irish Open cut twice in succession. The odds are in favour of an unwanted hat-trick after the 26-year-old stumbled to an opening round of 80 at Royal County Down. This was akin to throwing a house party during which guests take it upon themselves to trash the property. This marked McIlroy’s worst round in Europe since <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jul/16/the-open-2010-rory-mcilroy" title="">another 80 at the 2010 Open Championship</a> but somehow, given the environment, it felt like the more painful.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/28/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-opening-round">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyGolfEuropean TourSportThu, 28 May 2015 12:57:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/28/rory-mcilroy-irish-open-opening-roundPhotograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy endured a difficult day at the Irish Open. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy endured a difficult day at the Irish Open. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty ImagesEwan Murray at Royal County Down2015-05-28T12:57:41ZRory McIlroy walks down memory lane with Rickie Fowler at Royal County Downhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/rory-mcilroy-rickie-fowler-royal-county-down
Best of friends are relishing a return to the venue where they met as callow youths at the 2007 Walker Cup<p>Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler might appear too young for reflective glances towards their youth, but the reality of this week suggests otherwise. Eight years have flown by since McIlroy and Fowler faced off as teenage amateurs in the Walker Cup at Royal County Down, a big moment in their respective and intertwined careers, which ensures the return of the Irish Open to the venue for the first time in eight decades holds a broader significance.</p><p>The fact that McIlroy is hosting the event, via his charity foundation, and thereby personally invited Fowler to participate demonstrates this. McIlroy and Fowler, plus Martin Kaymer, will appropriately have each other for company during rounds one and two, overlooked by the beautiful Mountains ofMourne.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/rory-mcilroy-rickie-fowler-royal-county-down">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyGolfEuropean TourSportWed, 27 May 2015 21:41:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/rory-mcilroy-rickie-fowler-royal-county-downPhotograph: Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy, right, and Rickie Fowler as they were at the 2007 Walker Cup. Photograph: Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy, right, and Rickie Fowler as they were at the 2007 Walker Cup. Photograph: Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty ImagesEwan Murray at Royal County Down2015-05-27T21:41:00ZErnie Els says European Tour missed a trick not retaining Rory McIlroyhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/ernie-els-european-tour-not-retaining-rory-mcilroy
• Els: ‘Rory could have been the next Seve Ballesteros’<br />• World No1 has residence in America where he plays most his golf<br /><p>Ernie Els believes the European Tour has passed up an opportunity to retain Rory McIlroy on a permanent basis, despite the riches of its equivalent in the United States, with the South African insisting golf’s world No1 could have been promoted as a modern day Seve Ballesteros.</p><p>McIlroy, like the vast majority of successful golfers of his era, has a residence in the United States and is a PGA Tour member while retaining European Tour status. The Northern Irishman has returned to his homeland this week, as the host of the much-anticipated Irish Open. Els has spanned both continents in his career but those from yesteryear, including Ballesteros, had a focus primarily on Europe.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/24/wentworth-pga-tournament-record-an-byeong-hun">Wentworth’s PGA Championship won by record-breaking An Byeong-hun</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/ernie-els-european-tour-not-retaining-rory-mcilroy">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyErnie ElsEuropean TourPGA TourUS sportsGolfSportWed, 27 May 2015 19:40:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/27/ernie-els-european-tour-not-retaining-rory-mcilroyPhotograph: Osama Faisal/APErnie Els believes the European Tour should have done more to keep Rory McIlroy competing on it. Photograph: Osama Faisal/APPhotograph: Osama Faisal/APErnie Els believes the European Tour should have done more to keep Rory McIlroy competing on it. Photograph: Osama Faisal/APEwan Murray at Royal County Down2015-05-27T19:40:01ZWentworth’s PGA Championship won by record-breaking An Byeong-hunhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/24/wentworth-pga-tournament-record-an-byeong-hun
• Korean hits 65 for a 21-under-par aggregate tournament record<br />• Wins by six from Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Thongchai Jaidee<p>Had the nerveless Sunday procession in Surrey been carried out by a better-known name than An Byeong-hun, it would inevitably be hailed as one of the finest golf performances of this or many other seasons. Which renders it only fair to hand the 23-year-old from Seoul due credit for his latest success, which arrived in record breaking style at the BMW PGA Championship.</p><p>Those asking “who?” would be doing An a disservice. He announced his arrival on the scene in 2009, when becoming the youngest winner in history of the US Amateur Championship. On Monday confirmation should arrive that An has catapulted himself into the world’s top 50, a scenario which carries huge benefits.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/23/miguel-angel-jimenez-pga-championship">Miguel &Aacute;ngel Jim&eacute;nez thrills Wentworth crowd with hole-in-one record</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/24/wentworth-pga-tournament-record-an-byeong-hun">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportSun, 24 May 2015 17:44:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/24/wentworth-pga-tournament-record-an-byeong-hunPhotograph: Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesAn Byeong-hun celebrates victory on the 18th green on the final day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesAn Byeong-hun celebrates victory on the 18th green on the final day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesEwan Murray at Wentworth2015-05-24T17:44:57ZStephen Gallacher pulls out of BMW PGA Championship with hand injuryhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/21/stephen-gallacher-bmw-pga-championship-hand-injury
• 40-year-old Scot had been due to partner Lee Westwood in opening round<br />• Gallacher finished fifth at Wentworth last year behind Rory McIlroy<p>The European Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher has pulled out of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth because of a hand injury.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/18/rory-mcilroy-wells-fargo-bmw-pga-championship-wentworth-masters">Rory McIlroy’s golden form offsets fatigue as he powers on to Wentworth</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/21/stephen-gallacher-bmw-pga-championship-hand-injury">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportThu, 21 May 2015 08:15:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/21/stephen-gallacher-bmw-pga-championship-hand-injuryPhotograph: Andrew Boyers/ReutersScotland’s Stephen Gallacher inspects his hand during practice for the BMW PGA Championship on Tuesday. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/ReutersPhotograph: Andrew Boyers/ReutersScotland’s Stephen Gallacher inspects his hand during practice for the BMW PGA Championship on Tuesday. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/ReutersReuters2015-05-21T08:15:37ZLuke Donald voices concerns over European Tour ruleshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/19/luke-donald-european-tour-rules-ryder-cup-golf
<p>• Playing 13 events to gain Ryder Cup eligibility is too much, says Donald<br>• Englishman struggling and his world ranking has dropped to No60<br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/18/sergio-garcia-us-pga-heckling-sawgrass-players-championship">• PGA Tour defends security after heckling of García at Sawgrass</a></p><p>Keith Pelley has not taken up office as the European Tour’s chief executive yet but will already have learned the willingness of key stakeholders to offer advice. That much was clear on Tuesday when the former world No1 Luke Donald said the stipulated number of events to retain a European Tour card should be scaled back.</p><p>Donald is one of a batch of US-based Europeans who must play 13 straight or co-sanctioned European Tour competitions to remain a full member and thereby be eligible for Ryder Cup selection. Difficulty over that commitment has been pointed out in the past and is pertinent this week. Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garc&iacute;a and Ian Poulter are skipping the Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/19/luke-donald-european-tour-rules-ryder-cup-golf">Continue reading...</a>European TourLuke DonaldPGA TourUS sportsGolfSportTue, 19 May 2015 22:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/19/luke-donald-european-tour-rules-ryder-cup-golfPhotograph: Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesLuke Donald believes playing fewer events on the European Tour would make the competition stronger. Photograph: Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesLuke Donald believes playing fewer events on the European Tour would make the competition stronger. Photograph: Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesEwan Murray at Wentworth2015-05-19T22:00:06ZRory McIlroy’s golden form offsets fatigue as he powers on to Wentworthhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/18/rory-mcilroy-wells-fargo-bmw-pga-championship-wentworth-masters
The four-times major winner says that his game has never been in better shape and the statistics make ominous reading for his challengers<p>Precious few at the summit of professional golf would commit to the playing of five tournaments in succession. Least of all, that is, when the final event of that run requires a far wider remit than simply turning up. That isn’t a cue to tune the violins in sympathy for the poor souls, rather a basic reality.</p><p>Rory McIlroy cited the realisation of an unacceptable position somewhere in the hundreds on the FedEx Cup charts as the reason to enter the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/17/rory-mcilroy-win-wells-fargo-championship" title="">Wells Fargo Championship</a>, thereby ensuring his competitive run would be five from five between the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/03/rory-mcilroy-third-win-wgc-cadillac-match-play-title" title="">WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship </a>and Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. The Royal County Down tournament at the end of this month will be hosted by McIlroy’s charity foundation. McIlroy’s involvement has already boosted the Irish Open beyond recognition.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/17/rory-mcilroy-win-wells-fargo-championship">Rory McIlroy beats tournament record to win Wells Fargo Championship</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/18/rory-mcilroy-wells-fargo-bmw-pga-championship-wentworth-masters">Continue reading...</a>Rory McIlroyPGA TourEuropean TourSportGolfUS sportsMon, 18 May 2015 13:02:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/18/rory-mcilroy-wells-fargo-bmw-pga-championship-wentworth-mastersPhotograph: ddp USA/Rex ShutterstockRory McIlroy celebrates with the Wells Fargo Championship trophy after winning the tournament. Photograph: ddp USA/Rex ShutterstockPhotograph: ddp USA/Rex ShutterstockRory McIlroy celebrates with the Wells Fargo Championship trophy after winning the tournament. Photograph: ddp USA/Rex ShutterstockEwan Murray2015-05-18T13:02:01ZWu Ashun becomes first Chinese to win European Tour event on home soilhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/26/wu-ashun-first-chinese-win-european-tour-home-soil
• David Howell drops shot at 18th at China Open to hand Wu victory<br />• Wu finishes with birdie and eight straight pars in Shanghai<p>Wu Ashun became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event on home soil when David Howell suffered a bogey on the 72nd hole of the Volvo China Open.</p><p>Howell needed to make a par at the par-five 18th at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club to force a play-off after Wu had set the clubhouse target on nine under par in testing conditions.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/26/wu-ashun-first-chinese-win-european-tour-home-soil">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportSun, 26 Apr 2015 10:14:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/26/wu-ashun-first-chinese-win-european-tour-home-soilPhotograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty ImagesChina's Wu Ashun finished on nine under par to win the Volvo China Open. Photograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty ImagesChina's Wu Ashun finished on nine under par to win the Volvo China Open. Photograph: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty ImagesPress Association2015-04-26T10:14:09ZThomas Bjorn grabs share of first-round lead at Indonesia Mastershttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/23/thomas-bjorn-lead-indonesia-masters-golf
• Lee Westwood fires 69 to tie seventh in Asian Tour event<br />• David Howell shares lead in European Tour’s China Open<p>Thomas Bjorn, who shunned his own circuit this week to play on the Asian Tour, shook off the jet lag to grab a share of the first-round lead at the Indonesia Masters.</p><p>The Dane, 44, racked up seven birdies in his six-under-par 66 after some pin-point iron play at the Royal Jakarta Golf Club to join the early pacesetter, Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang, at the top of the leaderboard.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/23/thomas-bjorn-lead-indonesia-masters-golf">Continue reading...</a>GolfLee WestwoodSportEuropean TourThu, 23 Apr 2015 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/23/thomas-bjorn-lead-indonesia-masters-golfPhotograph: Arep Kulal/Asian Tour via Getty ImagesThomas Bjorn weighs up his chances at the Indonesia Masters. Photograph: Arep Kulal/Asian Tour via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Arep Kulal/Asian Tour via Getty ImagesThomas Bjorn weighs up his chances at the Indonesia Masters. Photograph: Arep Kulal/Asian Tour via Getty ImagesReuters2015-04-23T13:32:00ZKeith Pelley named as George O’Grady’s successor to run European Tourhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/17/keith-pelley-george-ogrady-european-tour
• Canadian was the unanimous choice of the board for the post<br />• Pelley will be at the forefront of a new era for the European Tour<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/17/matt-every-graeme-mcdowell-lead-rbc-heritage-jordan-spieth" title="">• Graeme McDowell has share of lead in the RBC Heritage</a><br /><p>Keith Pelley, a 51-year-old Canadian, will succeed George O’Grady as chief executive of the European Tour from this summer.</p><p>Pelley has been recruited from Rogers Media in his homeland, of which he was president from 2010, with previous experience across a range of Canadian sports and media outlets. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/05/george-o-grady-stand-down-european-tour-chief" title="">It was confirmed last November that O’Grady would step aside </a>to take up a new role as president of international relations; the Tour underwent a subsequent recruitment process without Pelley’s name entering the public domain at any point.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/17/keith-pelley-george-ogrady-european-tour">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportFri, 17 Apr 2015 15:52:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/17/keith-pelley-george-ogrady-european-tourPhotograph: Peter Cziborra/Action ImagesGeorge O’Grady is to take up the newly-created role of president of international relations for the European Tour. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action ImagesPhotograph: Peter Cziborra/Action ImagesGeorge O’Grady is to take up the newly-created role of president of international relations for the European Tour. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action ImagesEwan Murray2015-04-17T15:52:28ZReturn of British Masters is a boost for home-grown players – and Sky Sportshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/05/british-masters-sky-sports-european-tour
Comeback of big tournament after seven-year absence from European Tour will give British fans an all-too-rare sighting of top-level home players<p>This week’s confirmation that the British Masters will return to the European Tour schedule will be widely welcomed for providing an all-too rare sighting of top-level players in England. There is an important subtext, though: that of Sky Sports’ increasing commitment to golf.</p><p>Broadcasting matters have become a key topic of debate since <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/03/sky-sports-buys-open-championship-golf-bbc" title="">Sky seized Open Championship coverage from the BBC</a>. The widespread fear is a simple one: that moving the third major of the year on to subscription television will have a negative impact on participation and interest levels in Britain.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/05/british-masters-sky-sports-european-tour">Continue reading...</a>European TourIan PoulterSky SportsGolfSportThu, 05 Mar 2015 19:58:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/05/british-masters-sky-sports-european-tourPhotograph: Richard Catka/Richard Catka/Sportpixgolf/RexIan Poulter will host the British Masters at Woburn in the first year of its comeback. Photograph: Richard Catka/Sportpixgolf/RexPhotograph: Richard Catka/Richard Catka/Sportpixgolf/RexIan Poulter will host the British Masters at Woburn in the first year of its comeback. Photograph: Richard Catka/Sportpixgolf/RexEwan Murray in Doral2015-03-05T19:58:34ZPaul Casey confident his Ryder Cup gamble will pay offhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/03/paul-casey-ryder-cup-gamble-honda-classic
• Third-place finish at Honda Classic revitalises Casey<br />• 37-year-old Englishman up to No45 in the world<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/02/padraig-harrington-honda-classic-first-pga-title-2008" title="">• Padraig Harrington ends seven-year wait for a win</a><p>A rejuvenated Paul Casey said he has not disregarded the European Tour and retains aspirations of a Ryder Cup return despite controversially resigning as a member at the end of last year.</p><p>Casey’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/02/padraig-harrington-honda-classic-first-pga-title-2008" title="">tie for third at the Honda Classic </a>has bounced him back into the world’s top 50, earning him a spot at this week’s WGC-Cadillac Championship and placing the Englishman on the verge of a Masters return. He has not featured at Augusta National since 2012.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/03/paul-casey-ryder-cup-gamble-honda-classic">Continue reading...</a>Paul CaseyPGA TourRyder CupGolfEuropean TourSportTue, 03 Mar 2015 21:59:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/03/paul-casey-ryder-cup-gamble-honda-classicPhotograph: Peter Casey/USA Today SportsPaul Casey tees off in the final round of the Honda Classic, where he fired a two-under 68 en route to a tie for third place. Photograph: Peter Casey/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Peter Casey/USA Today SportsPaul Casey tees off in the final round of the Honda Classic, where he fired a two-under 68 en route to a tie for third place. Photograph: Peter Casey/USA Today SportsEwan Murray in Doral2015-03-03T21:59:09ZThai golfer Panuphol Pittayarat hits hole in one and wins a househttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/13/panuphol-pittayarat-hole-in-one-wins-house
• Pittayarat recorded hole in one at the Black Mountain Golf Club<br />• ‘I feel like I’ve won this golf tournament,’ says Pittayarat<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/12/tiger-woods-golf-break-not-retirement" title="">Ewan Murray: Woods is the embodiment of a spent-force sportsman</a><p>Panuphol Pittayarat might not have done enough over the last two days to make the weekend cut at the Thailand Classic but the Thai will leave the Black Mountain Golf Club on Friday having secured the keys to a 12m baht (&pound;240,000) townhouse.</p><p>The 22-year-old hit a hole in one on the 192-yard par-three 14th hole in his second round to win one of the townhouses currently being built alongside the 9th fairway on the course.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/13/panuphol-pittayarat-hole-in-one-wins-house">Continue reading...</a>European TourGolfSportFri, 13 Feb 2015 09:43:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/13/panuphol-pittayarat-hole-in-one-wins-housePhotograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesPanuphol Pittayarat celebrates after winning a house for getting a hole in one on the 14th at the Black Mountain Golf Club Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesPanuphol Pittayarat celebrates after winning a house for getting a hole in one on the 14th at the Black Mountain Golf Club Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesReuters2015-02-13T09:43:02ZEurope’s Ryder Cup captain for 2016 could be announced next weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/12/europe-ryder-cup-captain-clarke-jimenez
• European Tour to hold selection meeting on 18 February<br />• Darren Clarke favourite for the role, Miguel Angel Jiménez also in frame<p>Paul McGinley’s successor as European Ryder Cup captain could be announced next Wednesday, with the Northern Irishman Darren Clarke and Miguel Angel Jim&eacute;nez of Spain leading the chase for the role.</p><p>The five-man selection panel will hold a meeting on 18 February to decide the next skipper. McGinley is one of the members of the panel along with the 2010 captain Colin Montgomerie, the 2012 skipper Jos&eacute; Mar&iacute;a Olaz&aacute;bal, the European Tour chief executive, George O’Grady, and the former Ryder Cup player David Howell.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/12/europe-ryder-cup-captain-clarke-jimenez">Continue reading...</a>Ryder CupDarren ClarkeEuropean TourGolfSportUS sportsThu, 12 Feb 2015 19:10:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/12/europe-ryder-cup-captain-clarke-jimenezPhotograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesDarren Clarke, above, is the favourite for the European Ryder Cup captaincy, with Miguel Angel Jiménez also in the frame. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesDarren Clarke, above, is the favourite for the European Ryder Cup captaincy, with Miguel Angel Jiménez also in the frame. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty ImagesReuters2015-02-12T19:10:07ZLee Westwood shares lead in Malaysian Open with Alejandro Cañizareshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/06/lee-westwood-share-lead-malaysian-open-alejandro-canizares
• Englishman on 11-under-par at halfway stage<br />• Graeme McDowell drops back to eighth place<p>Lee Westwood held a share of the lead with Alejandro Ca&ntilde;izares on 11-under-par at the halfway stage of the Malaysian Open.</p><p>Westwood, the defending champion, started the day level with Graeme McDowell on six-under and registered his first birdie on the 4th in Kuala Lumpur.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/06/lee-westwood-share-lead-malaysian-open-alejandro-canizares">Continue reading...</a>Lee WestwoodGraeme McDowellEuropean TourGolfSportFri, 06 Feb 2015 12:41:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/06/lee-westwood-share-lead-malaysian-open-alejandro-canizaresPhotograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesLee Westwood of England checks the flight of the ball during the second round of the Malaysian Open. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesLee Westwood of England checks the flight of the ball during the second round of the Malaysian Open. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty ImagesPress Association2015-02-06T12:41:52Z